Jose and I met when I was 16, working in the local cellphone store with his best friend. Now that best friend is the Padrino to our 5 children. He came in every Saturday to eat lunch with us. After 8 months of lunches he finally asked for my number. Jose is quiet until he feels comfortable. We went out on our first date Valentine’s 2007! I came home that night and told my momma we had a problem. She looked terrified. I told her I was going to marry that boy.She just rolled her eyes and grinned .

It’s not our favorite but it is one of the most impactful memories we share. My mom died from cancer when I was 18. Jose and I went through all of it together. Ten mins. after she passed I walked out and Jose was standing there, I ran towards him and he just picked me up toddler style.Carried me somewhere private so I could weep (I hate crying publicly) in that moment we both truly realized we could get through anything in life if we did it together.

Jose is a fire fighter, a farmer and a small business owner. We became a single income household right as Covid shut most things down in the US.we are blessed. We believe in working hard and living within your means, but would love to use the money towards a vehicle that would accommodate our large family, their sport bags and maybe one of the kids’ friends.